"HE TOOK TIME TO EXPLAIN THE OPTIONS, INVOLVE ME IN THE DECISIONS AND MAKE SURE I FELT COMFORTABLE THROUGHOUT."

Testemunho: William Wolf
Patologia: Prótese total do joelho

“What stood out for me was how professional yet personal Dr Sousa was – he took time to explain the options, involve me in the decisions and make sure I felt comfortable throughout.”

Professor Ricardo Sousa was referred to William through a medical support service in Portugal, following a thorough search for specialists in Orthopaedics. The first consultation took place at the beginning of 2024, and from the very first contact, two aspects stood out: his profound clinical knowledge of the patient’s knee problem and his ability to communicate clearly, aided by his fluency in English — a crucial factor for someone who is an immigrant in Portugal seeking healthcare outside their country of origin.

Over several months, between February and May, different therapeutic options were carefully evaluated. The decision to proceed with knee replacement was not made hastily; rather, it was the result of a structured, thoughtful and collaborative process, in which alternative treatments were considered and ruled out before opting for surgery. This phased approach was pivotal in building the patient’s confidence and ensuring the success of the treatment.

Once the decision was made on 1 June, the entire pre-operative process was coordinated flawlessly. In just over three weeks, all necessary assessments — cardiology, anaesthesiology, blood tests and other complementary examinations — were completed, allowing the surgery to be performed on 26 June.

The surgical procedure went smoothly and achieved exceptional results. Three days later, the patient was discharged from hospital, and within just ten days, he was walking unaided. Recovery was rapid and consistent, allowing an early return to physical activity. In the year following surgery, the patient cycled over 6,500 kilometres — a clear indicator of the procedure’s effectiveness and the quality of the rehabilitation.

The technical outcome of the surgery was also highlighted by the physiotherapy team. The surgical scar was described as exemplary, to the point of being considered a “work of art,” reflecting technical precision and attention to detail.

Beyond the clinical aspect, the human care provided was one of the most valued elements. Professor Sousa demonstrated genuine interest in the patient’s lifestyle, understood his sporting routine in advance, and adapted his recommendations accordingly, contributing to a realistic and effective rehabilitation plan. Physical preparation prior to surgery, particularly muscle strengthening, was encouraged and proved crucial for the accelerated recovery.

Throughout the entire process, the patient felt safe, confident and well-supported, with no moments of doubt or insecurity.

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